Wisconsin State Park Camp Bookings Up 8%

July 30, 2012 by Justin Leighty
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The number of people camping in Wisconsin state parks is on the upturn.

“Our advanced reservations are up about 8 percent compared to last year, and we’re currently having a real phenomenal season that we expect will continue,” David Benish, camping program manager for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Office, told the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune.

Benish estimates that the negative effects of the economy in recent years, combined with high gas prices and the opening of two new state parks, have all contributed to the increased interest in camping statewide. Governor Thompson State Park in Marinette County opened in 2000, and a campground opened at Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County within the past five years.

About 123,000 advanced camping reservations were placed at Wisconsin state parks in 2011, compared with about 114,500 advanced reservations placed in 2007.

More than 480,000 total reservations were placed with state parks last year, Benish said.